Pokemon Pinball

Pokémon Pinball: Gotta Catch 'em All on the Pinball Table

Welcome to the captivating world of Pokémon Pinball , a pinball-based Pokémon spin-off video game that brings the Pokémon universe to the realm of arcade gaming. Developed for the Game Boy, this unique game takes the thrill of pinball and blends it with the excitement of catching and evolving Pokémon. Released in Japan on April 14, 1999, and in North America on June 29, 1999, Pokémon Pinball offers a delightful gaming experience for Pokémon enthusiasts and pinball fans alike.

The Pokémon Pinball Table: A Poké Ball Adventure

In Pokémon Pinball, the ball becomes a Poké Ball, and the pinball table is transformed into a playground of Pokémon-related objects and challenges. Your main objective, as in any pinball game, is to score points using various modes and advances strategically. However, there's a unique twist - the game's tagline "Gotta Catch 'em All" hints at a secondary objective: collecting all 151 Pokémon to complete your Pokédex. With the Pokédex persistently saved between games, you can gradually build your Pokémon collection over time.

Dive into Gameplay: Red and Blue Tables

Pokémon Pinball offers two distinct tables: Red and Blue. Each table boasts its own intricacies and gameplay elements, creating a diverse and engaging experience for players.

Within each table, you'll encounter different playable "locations" that determine which Pokémon are available for capture. At the beginning of a game, these locations are displayed in a slot-machine style, and a press of the A button selects a starting location and launches the first ball. As the game progresses, each table introduces mechanisms to advance to the next location, including those that weren't available at the start.

Catching and Evolution Modes: Unleash the Pokémon Fun

The game introduces two exciting modes: "Catch Mode" and "Evolution Mode."

In "Catch Mode," activated for a 2-minute window, you have the opportunity to capture a Pokémon. Hitting the pop bumpers six times unlocks segments of an image of the available Pokémon. Completing the image brings the Pokémon onto the table, where it must be hit four times with the ball to be captured.

"Evolution Mode," also active for 2 minutes, lets you select a captured Pokémon (from the current game) and attempt to evolve it. This mode is the only way to add the evolved form to your Pokédex. Hitting targets on the playfield can uncover items needed for evolution. Once you've collected three items, the central hole opens up. Successfully sinking the ball in this hole completes the evolution process.

A Blend of Pinball and Pokémon Adventure

Pokémon Pinball seamlessly combines the excitement of pinball gameplay with the thrill of capturing and evolving Pokémon. With its unique spin on the classic pinball experience and the irresistible allure of Pokémon collecting, the game offers an enchanting journey for players of all ages. Are you ready to unleash your inner pinball trainer and catch 'em all on the pinball table? Dive into the world of Pokémon Pinball and experience a delightful fusion of arcade fun and Pokémon adventure like never before!